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| Dance Show to Raise Money for Propionic Acidemia Research By LISA TSERING India-West Staff Reporter
An exciting evening of Indian dance and music May 12 will raise funds to fight a rare genetic disorder. The fundraiser is the brainchild of Selvi Pragasam, whose 13-year-old son, Aidan Pragasam, is afflicted by Propionic Acidemia, a disease that affects the body’s ability to metabolize protein. PA can damage the brain, heart and liver, and cause seizures and delays to normal development such as walking and talking. Money raised will support the Propionic Acidemia Foundation, which helps to conduct research for a cure. “Since the disorder is rare, funding for the research is solely dependent on private donations,” Pragasam told India-West in an email. “I decided that I need to do something to expedite this research, so that the children of this generation can benefit from it.” Admission to the event will be free. “The event itself is free, but I have sponsors who are willing to donate towards the cause, and a non-profit organization that will be doing a silent auction during the event,” she explained. “We will also have donation boxes set up for the public to donate.” An expert in the field will also give a brief talk. Pragasam is the founder of the Indian-Fusion Dance Academy, which teaches classical and folk/Bollywood dance styles. The performance will feature students of all ages. Nearly 500 are expected to attend. The Indian-Fusion Dance Showcase benefiting the PA Foundation will take place May 12 in the main auditorium of The Pointe, at 3695 Rose Terrasse Circle in San Jose. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. |
